Eirini Makedona Pagkopoulou

Cultural Policy & Development Expert
Project Director – Crete European Region of Gastronomy 2026

Eirini Makedona Pagkopoulou is active in the field of Cultural Policy and Development (MA) and is the co-founder of “Sisilo Cultural Organization for Music and the Arts” and “Comeet Creative Space”. She also holds a degree in Architecture (BA) and postgraduate diplomas (PGD) in Curating Artistic and Cultural Actions, Curating Community-Based Art Projects, and Curating Actions in Art, Science, and Technology.

Since 2025, recognised as an Expert for IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism), Eirini’s work focuses on enhancing cultural vitality in rural Greece, highlighting its dynamic role in shaping cultural identity and contributing to the country’s sustainable development. She is committed to projects that engage communities in the study, safeguarding, co-creation, and valorization of their cultural capital.

She is particularly interested in intellectual inclusion in culture. Her research explores the intersection of culture and the brain (Master’s thesis) and supports the development of science communication initiatives and projects that provide equal access to culture for neurodiverse individuals who experience social exclusion.

After training and working in architectural and cultural design at the studio of architect Odysseas Sgouros, she has spent the last 15 years collaborating with institutional and non-institutional bodies, as well as independent groups in Greece and abroad. These collaborations include the design and implementation of more than 35 cultural projects with partners such as the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, the Region of Crete, the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, the Labyrinth Musical Workshop, the Educational Development Company PLOIGOS, the Matera Hub, Arty Farty, Bizrupt, 100mentors, and the collectives Free The Soprano Player and Monitor Fest. Her portfolio includes the curation and coordination of national and European cultural projects, festivals, educational programs, artistic and cultural workshops, conferences, concerts, and visual arts exhibitions.

She is a member of the Culture for Change association and the Hellenic Society for Cultural Heritage Management Consultants (ESDIAPOK).